Dartry Renovation

An extensive refurbishment of a 1970's dwelling into a smartly designed, low energy, light filled family home in South Dublin, Ireland.

Winner of the 2022 ‘RIAI Architecture Award for Sustainability’ and the 2022 ‘Towards Net Zero Ireland Construction Awards’ in the Refurbishment Category, this South Dublin suburban project was an extensive refurbishment of a 1970s dwelling into a smartly designed, low energy, light filled family home.

The project achieved the EnerPHit standard which provides a Passive-oriented set of requirements for retrofits. EnerPHit is the ultimate standard in energy efficiency for renovation projects and offers approximately the same benefits as offers the retrofit equivalent to the new build Passive House certification. The owners have experienced a significant uplift in comfort and energy economy, as well as the reduction in emissions.

There were a number of technical challenges involved, such as the dig out of the old lobby and the reinforcement of the back and middle walls to ensure structural integrity. Total demolition was considered, but eventually decided against, as part of the strategy to limit impacts on embodied carbon.

The overall goals were increased thermal performance, enhanced functionality and an improved building aesthetic while honouring EnerPHit and Passive principles.

These goals were met throughout the entire build and especially in the decision to extend upwards rather than outwards. The decision to add an extra floor improved the building’s form factor, allowing the house to achieve EnerPHit’s passive-orientated retrofit standard. Clever placement of windows and lighting means that almost all of the house benefits from the daily sun movements.